Some golfers get nervous when they start playing well. They make up stories and try and work out why they’re playing so well. Hitting better shots, seeing improved performance can take some adjusting. It’s nerve racking.
This is a problem but it’s the lessor of two evils because many golfers are scared to death of playing poorly.
The thought of making a mistake or hitting a poor shot has them petrified. These golfers close up, get tight and cannot swing freely because of the fear.
And here’s the main problem;
You can’t hit great shots unless you’re prepared to make a bad shot or two.
The paradox here is when you can fight through the fear you’ll hit less bad shots and more great ones. Trying to avoid mistakes is a certain recipe for disaster.
Heading to the golf course with the mindset of, “avoiding all mistakes” is wrong. Don’t let the odd poor shot rock your confidence. Make a few mistakes but keep on trucking. Golf is not a game of perfect. It’s about overcoming obstacles (like getting out of the trees) and keeping on making the best swings you can.
Fear of mistakes has no place on the golf course.
30 Comments
Steady
December 23, 2009Hi Cam,
I suggest people read G Gordon Liddy’s autobiography. He faced his hear whcih was rats. He overcame it by facing his fear head on. What the auto process gives you the tools to overcome and play great golf. Be prepared to make mistakes but don’t let it rattle you.
Cheers Steady
Tony Lucas (Lukey)
December 23, 2009Hi Cam
This was probably my biggest weakness because yes I did fear hitting that bad shot and ruining my round but since adopting the auto process I decided that bad shots were and will always be part of the game and I now openly tell people that I expect to hit a bad shot or two.
Cheers Lukey
DP
December 23, 2009Cam,
I can’t wait to get nervous because I am playing well – what does it feel like?
Cheers and Merry Christmas.
DP
3 Putt
December 23, 2009Cameron,
I once opened a social 9 holes with eagle, birdie, birdie. On the 4th tee I was a wreck and wanted to go back to the club house. My partners were geeing me up for a course record. I ended up about 5/6 over for the 9. I am keen to try the automation method and just be in the moment. If I am scoring well I tend to tighten up by thinking do not make mistakes and ‘protect’ the score. And if I am scoring badly I think I need to birdie this hole to get the shots back. Not good.
I think this site is fantastic and it is such a relief to see this kind of philosophy. I tried the swinging tip on the arms only yesterday and was hitting such pure shots it was amazing, they were weren’t all in the right direction but the timing off the club felt effortless. I am looking forward to implementing these insights over the Xmas break.
Cheers
3p
Ray C
December 24, 2009Hello Cam and all fellow tribers,
I hope everybody has a Merry Xmas and happy New Year!!!
Good luck with Automatic and good golfing in the year 2010!!!!!!
Cheers
RayC
Cameron
December 24, 2009@3 Putt: Interesting story and thanks for sharing it.
We tend to change our approach when we start playing well. We get defensive and tight instead of playing in the same way that got us there in the first place.
Keep up the good work and let me know how you get on.
Good golfing,
Cameron
Tony Lucas (Lukey)
December 24, 2009Hello Cam Steady and all other tribers
I too like Ray C would like to wish you all a Merry Xmas and a happy New Year.
Cheers Lukey
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